In this article Edgar explains the improving economy has been welcome news for community banks, which are now experiencing an upsurge in loan activity with commercial lending at these institutions increasing 10 percent to $190 billion, and profits increasing 16 percent to $4.9 billion in the first quarter of 2015. Amidst the encouraging news about the economic recovery, the anticipated decision by the Federal Reserve to increase the near zero short-term interest rates for the first time since December 2006 poses a strategic challenge for community banks.

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